Great horn!! Full sound when needed. Powerful in all registers. You can play delicate when needed. As versatile horn as I have ever played. Playing lead is a pleasure with this horn, simply sings to the top of my range. If you need a horn for every gig buy this horn. Only slight flaw I have is that the valves occasionally stick. Don't let that stop you!!

Playing lead trumpet for the 'Greatest show on Earth' is a VERY demanding job. I was perfectly content with my 6310Z and, much like Bobby Shew himself, was alittle skeptical when the word was out about Yamaha improving upon that popular lightweight horn. Well, they did it, and it's called the 8310Z!!!! It has made my job noticeably easier....and here's why: 1) The bigger bead on the bell, as well as moving the seam of the bell to the side, has made the sound BIGGER! You get nothing but pure sound at ALL dynamics and in ALL registers. 2)It's actually BRIGHTER,when you want it to be, than the 6310Z! Which is what I need to sit on top of the horn section! 3) It responds even QUICKER than the 6310Z! This is really nice 'cause you don't have to step on the gas at all for it to take off......it just goes like a fine-tuned sports car!!!! INSTANT SOUND! 4) The upper register 'holds together better' and won't break-up on you. I guess you could say that it's a more focused feel up top--you feel more 'secure.' There may be a slight adjustment period if your coming off the 6310Z, but not much. And for those of you coming off a larger horn, just lay-back on it and let the horn do the work. As we all know, it's about making trumpet playing easier, and once you play the new 8310Z, you too will believe!

I purchased this 8310Z several months ago from WW&BW as a second horn to my Schilke B1. I got a great price from WW&BW. The fit and finish of this trumpet is excellent. I played this trumpet in brass quintet, concert band, big band and gospel music. The trumpet sounds very warm, but can also brighten up when needed. It is not as brilliant sounding as the Schilke. The 8310Z blows freely and is very easy to play. The 8310Z has a big sound and the light weight gives it flexibilty when playing quiet. It slots well and the intonation is very good. I have decided not to go back to the Schilke B1 as I prefer the sound of the 8310Z. I play tested the silver 8310Z first, but the laquer finish gets a better sound and I recommend the laquer model.

Had been playing the YTR 6335HS for about ten years, until about 6 months ago when I tried the "Z"...WOW!!! Well needless-to-say I finally purchased the 8310ZS about 2 months ago. Adjustment period you ask?...Absolutely! The "Z" is so free blowing that it actually took me at least 2 weeks before I stopped overblowing and begin to learn how just to lay back/relax and let the "Z" do the work. The sound is full and rich in the low and mid registers, even with my Marcinkiewicz E9 mouth piece on it. Not to mention how it brightens up and takes command once I step on the gas without breaking-up in the high register. I am in love with the "Z".

I bought one of these a few months ago while looking for a new flugel. I have never liked Yamahas and was very sceptical, but after just one note I knew that I'd found something that fit me. It is so versatile!!! I can go from playing bright, ultrastrong lead in a big band to a flowing, dark jazz solo to any chair in a concert band or orchestra to the Hindemith Sonata to Raphael Mendez to a musical theatre gig. It handles everything with great flexibility and gives the player the freedom to play from the heart and not the lungs or whatever. If you're looking for a new horn, definately try one out!!!